Breeder vs. Shelter: Weighing Your Options

I’ve been thinking a lot about the dogs that sit in shelters lately. That may be because I started volunteering at store that funds an animal rescue or it may be because I watched a commercial about adoption that really brought tears to my eyes. So, today I wanted to talk a little bit about the pros and cons of adopting (or rescuing) a dog from a shelter vs. getting your dog from a breeder.

I know a lot of animal rights activists would condemn you for getting your dog from a breeder, but I think that’s unfair. It’s not like you went to a pet store, right? Gosh, those places make me so sad.

So, if you’re trying to decide whether to get a dog from a breeder or from a shelter, here’s a quick look at the benefits of both.

Benefits of getting your dog from a (reputable breeder):

· You know its lineage. You’ve probably even met the parents.

· You’ve probably researched the breed and have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Is the dog going to chew everything, need to run all the time or be a good lap dog. And if you don’t know the answers to these questions, the breeder can tell you.

· Most breeders will take the dog back if it’s not a good fit for your home. They will then either keep it or find another loving home, so you don’t have to worry about the dog ending up in a shelter.

Benefits of getting your dog from a shelter:

· The feeling you get knowing that you changed this dog’s life forever. No longer does it have to sit by itself behind the bars of its cage waiting for a home or to be euthanized. – And that’s enough for most people.

- You can save a lot of money. Most shelters accept just a donation in exchange for your new four-legged friend. Any accountant will tell you that's better than paying top dollar to a breeder (money-wise, anyway).